Replacing Crank/chainset

FSR_XC

Got a bit of a problem. I need new chainrings.

Now there are a few different options.

One is to replace the rings, but this actually works out more expensive than replacing the crankset.

My options are (I am only looking at Deore /LX btw - due to cost):

Deore Octalink crankset - cost £35
or
new Deore Hollowtech II crankset with BB - Cost £45

Now less than a month ago I replaced my bottom bracket - now XT Octalink.

I am swaying towards the Hollowtech (does anyone want an 'as new' XT Octalink 68x118 BB?), but wondering if it is better to stick to Octalink?

BTW OEM equip is Shimano FCM-442-8, so Deore is an upgrade. Also other than a few grams, I can't see there is that much difference in performance of chainrings.

Opinions?

Surf-Matt

Can you stretch to LX Hollowtech 2?

Got one on my old Stumpy (upgraded it) and it's very good. Stronger than XT (chainrings last much longer) but plenty light enough and very nicely machined too. You can pick them up very cheaply from various retailers.

ride_whenever

the chainrings on new xt last much better, I'm into my 4th or 5th month now!

Surf-Matt

Ride - they must have sorted them then. They were like soft cheese for a while.

cee

and never underestimate the new deore stuff.....it really is good. and cheap

ride_whenever

yeah but you're better off with the older hollowtech 1 deore, it was stiffer and lighter, the move to external for deore is not good.

I know the onld xt were cheese, I burnt a set in about 200miles, and replaced them with middleburn hardcoat slickshifts. The new ones seem to be harder, the middle is composite/steel so isn't showing any sign of wear yet and the outer does seem to be harder.

Surf-Matt

RIde - my LX chainset is probably two years old now but has taken some serious abuse and it fine - all teeth still there and no nasty wear. I went for LX after hearing longevity troubles with XT but glad they are now better.

Mind you I don't seem to be much of a crankset killer - the old Specialized "Strongarm" set up on it lasted ages and my Truvativ Stylo on the newer Stumpy (with a pretty bad rep for durability) is still sweet with over 2000 miles on it.

Cee - our RH Disk has Deore kit on it (LX rear mech) and it does seem to run very well indeed. Stonking VFM.

FSR_XC

I am not 'stretching' any further. Didn't want to spend anything at the moment.

I have heard the Hollowtech needs more 'servicing' and won't last as well as Octalink.

ride_whenever

If you've stuck in a new xt bb and your cranks are good then buy new rings, don't waste money on new cranks, just buy cheap steel rings from shimano, along with new chain and cassette obviously

supersonic

you can pick up lx ht1 octalink cranks for 35 quid. Add an es50 121mm bb and you have a longer lasting lighter system than deore or lx ht2